TAMPA, Fla. — A bill designed to support the domestic shrimping industry has moved one step closer to becoming law.
The ‘Save Our Shrimpers Act’ recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and is now under consideration by a Senate committee.
Supporters say the legislation could provide critical relief for American shrimpers who are forced to compete with foreign seafood operations.
In Tampa, Justin Versaggi of Versaggi Shrimp Corp. says the bill would put his 4th generation family-owned business on a level playing field with those who operate in different countries under a more lenient set of rules and regulations. Versaggi says those foreign shrimpers can operate at a much lower cost that sacrifices quality.
“What we’re up against is foreign production that uses forced labor, cheaper labor,” Versaggi said. “They don’t have overarching management of their fisheries.”
The ‘Save Our Shrimpers Act’ would prohibit federal funds from being made available to international financial institutions for financing activities tied to foreign shrimp farms. The measure would stop U.S. taxpayer dollars from indirectly subsidizing overseas shrimp harvesting operations.
Versaggi said the proposal would help his Tampa business remain competitive.
“We hope that will essentially level the playing field for us,” he said. “Because we feel we can compete if all things are equal.”
The bill passed in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. It is now being heard by a Senate committee.